JPS63288181A - Video game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a video game device, and is concerned with combining an image obtained from an external video signal such as a V'rR (video tape recorder) and a demo image (so-called super・This is about video games that can be used (imposed).

[Conventional technology]

Conventional video games include arcade games, home TV games, etc., and recently, home TV games that use a ROM cartridge installed in the game machine body or a disk unit have become popular. In particular, CR
There is a demand for improvement in the image quality of demo images used in video games, etc., and countermeasures such as the adoption of PPUs (image processing units) exclusively for games are being taken.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, the 6 resolution of the above-mentioned game-specific PPU is about 200 lines at most, and there is also noticeable color blurring, so there is a problem that the image looks inferior compared to the image of the TV broadcast or the VTR playback image. There was a point. Also, live-action TV programs are extremely popular with children, and there was a strong desire for this program to be made into a television brand, but graphic images created only by computers and programs do not give the atmosphere of playing with real characters. The problem was that the children could easily get bored with it.

[Means for Solving Problem 5] The present invention was devised in view of the above problems, and is a method for controlling external video signals in a video game device having a control means including a central processing unit (CPU). and a switching means for switching between a video output signal of the video signal input means and a game image signal formed by the control means, and a video signal input means for inputting the video signal and a switching means for switching between the video output signal of the video signal input means and the game image signal formed by the control means, It is characterized by compositing images. In particular, when the external video signal is a composite video output signal from video equipment such as a VTR that does not require external synchronization, the above superimposition can be achieved by providing a synchronization separation circuit in the video signal input means. can.

[Effect]

In the present invention configured as described above, the control means including the CPU forms the demo signal, and the video input means No. 3 manually outputs the V signal.
An external video signal from a TR or the like is input processed and a video output signal is output, and a switching means composed of an analog switch or the like switches between the game image signal and the video output signal, thereby creating an image based on the external video signal. and the game image can be superimposed (superimposed). Particularly, when the external video signal is a composite video output signal of a video device such as a VTR that does not require external synchronization, a synchronization separation circuit provided in the video signal input means separates the synchronization signal from the video signal. , and also reproduces vertical synchronization signals and the like.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
1 is a video signal manual means, which includes a video signal amplification circuit 11;
, a clamp circuit 12 , and a synchronous separation circuit 13 . The video signal in this disaster example is a composite video signal (FF (composite video signal)) in which luminance (Y) (FF), color difference (C) signals, and horizontal/vertical synchronization signals are combined.
The first video signal amplification circuit 11 amplifies a composite video signal from a VTR (Video Cheap Recorder) or the like to a desired voltage level, and has a GB product of about 100 MHz, low output impedance, and a large output current. The clamp circuit 12, which is preferable, is for fixing the level of a video signal whose DC level is uncertain. Since the DC potential of a video signal is not determined, the DC component is generally cut off using a capacitor or the like before transmission and reception. However, since the DC component of general video signals is a luminance signal, the signal is clamped (level fixed) on the receiving side.
There is a need to. This clamp circuit 12 includes, for example, a method in which a clamp comparator controls the bias of an amplifier. The synchronization separation circuit 13 separates a synchronization signal from the input composite video signal and further reproduces a vertical synchronization pulse, and has an aJ function for reproducing a field discrimination signal. A comparator is used to extract the composite synchronization signal from the clamped video signal. Generally, the width of the synchronization signal is about 5 μs, so it is desirable to use a medium-high speed comparator with a response time of 0.1 to 1 μs. Furthermore, in order to reproduce the vertical synchronization signal from the separated composite synchronization signal 56, an analog There are an analog method and a digital method, but an analog method using a filter is preferable.The video signal manual means 1 of this embodiment is as follows:
In the case of an RGB separated signal, the sync separation circuit 13 can be omitted since the horizontal/direct synchronization signals are manually input in a separated state. However, there are cases where a synchronization signal is added to only the G signal, and in this case, it is necessary to connect the synchronization separation circuit 13 only to the G signal. Furthermore, if the video signal is for a monochrome image and the depth of the synchronization signal is stable, the clamp circuit 12 can be omitted. Furthermore, if the input video signal has a sufficiently high signal level, the video signal amplification circuit of tjSl can be omitted. 2 is a control means, which includes a CPU (central processing unit) 21, a ROM 22, and an RA.
It is composed of an M23, an I10 boat 24, and a PPU (image processing unit) 25. The control means 2 is a general microcomputer system, and is capable of playing video games, etc. Here, PPtJ25 is a processor dedicated to image processing, and has a video CPU inside.
It has a built-in color bus, VRAM interface, etc. Reference numeral 3 denotes a switching means, which switches between this video signal and the image signal from the control means 2 in accordance with the output timing of the external video signal inputted to the video signal input means 1. That is, the switching means 3 superimposes (superimposes) an external video signal from a VTR (video tape ref) or the like and an image formed by the PPU 25. The switching means 3 is made up of analog switches, and it is particularly desirable to use a high-speed video switch.In particular, by applying appropriate horizontal and vertical timing signals to the switching means 3, the position of the composite image can be changed. It is also possible to do so. Although a normal CMOS video switch or the like can be applied to this switching means 3, it is preferable to use a superimposition IC. In particular, this IC has a built-in comparator for the clamp circuit 12 and the sync separation circuit 13. It is ideal because it is easy to use. Furthermore, if a VDP (video display processor) is used, image processing can be performed on a single chip. Here, synchronization between the control means 2 and the external video signal will be explained. In order to accurately superimpose the image based on the external video signal and the image formed by the control means 2, it is necessary to synchronize the control means 2 and the external video signal. Therefore, the signal generated by the VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) is divided and the phase is compared with the Jn signal, and this phase difference is converted to DC via a low-pass filter, and this DC voltage is fed back to the VCO for control. It's a so-called PLL circuit). Then, 8 of the color III carrier (subcarrier fsc=3.579545MH2) generated by the VCO in steady state.
8 fse (28,63636MHz>C
4, which is an RT clock signal and is 4 times the subcarrier.
fsc (14,31818MHz) as CP of control means 2
Synchronization between the control element P522 and the external video signal is realized by using the a link signal from U21 or PPU25. It is also possible to accurately generate the internal synchronization signal using a dedicated LSI. In this embodiment, 4 is an input/output device for the fi 111 means 2. In this embodiment, the optical detection circuit 41. Voice detection circuit 42. Joystick controller 43. Keyboard 44° Serial communication interface 45. An external ROM 46 is connected to the CPO 21 and the like via the 110 port 24. The optical detection circuit 41 is composed of an optical sensor and the like, and performs optical-to-electrical conversion. The optical detection circuit 41 is a VCa for detecting the target of the light #a gun, a VCa for detecting 7-fussing of the display, and a device attached to a part of the display to receive a control signal incorporated into a part of the displayed image. Applicable. The voice detection circuit 42 is composed of a microphone, etc.
It is used to input human voices, clapping sounds, etc. In addition,
The sound detection circuit 42 does not use a microphone, but sounds like a cheap record #! ! It is also possible to input directly from the external output terminal of the device. In this case, it is also possible to input a control signal modulated with an audible sound. The serial communication interface 45 is connected to a modem or the like to perform personal computer communication or the like. In particular, R5-232-C
It is desirable that it complies with the .

The external ROM 46 is an external memory that stores game programs and the like! ! In addition to zero or more input/output devices that are desirable to be easily replaceable, there are also mouse interfaces, 70 disks, Inter 7 Ace, Kansas City Standard Inter 7 Je, etc.
can be connected to the port. 5 is a second video signal amplification circuit, which amplifies the video signal synthesized by the switching means 3. Note that if this video output signal is at a sufficient level, the second video signal amplification circuit 5 can be omitted. If the connected display has a composite video input terminal, the ts2 video 4g
The output signal of the signal amplification circuit 5 can be directly input to the display. Furthermore, when connecting to a general telepino receiver, it is necessary to input the output signal of the second video signal amplification circuit 5 to an RF converter and modulate it. In addition,
In this embodiment, the audio signal input is the! 1 is outputted to a display device, etc. as an audio signal output.

First, a VTR is connected to the A side of this embodiment. That is,
The VTR's FunPosit video output signal is connected to the FunPosit video signal input of this embodiment, and the audio signal is similarly connected to the audio input signal.The VTR cassette is used to record videos of monsters and villains and control images. is inserted into the VTR and played back. A combo raft video signal from a VTR is amplified by a first video signal amplification circuit 11, and then its level is fixed by a clamp circuit 12. The clamped video signal is sent to the sync separation circuit 13 and also to the switch Wt3. The synchronization separation circuit 13 has a video (
Horizontal synchronization signal (H3YN
C), further reproduces the vertical synchronization signal 4g (VSYNC), and sends the two synchronization signals to the switching means 3. next,
External ROM46 that stores game programs! ! Then, the rectangle detection device 41 is installed at a predetermined position on the display. This predetermined position is the position on the display where the control image appears. Then, when an execution command is input from the keyboard 44, the dame program is loaded from the external ROM 46, and CP [J21 is the optical detection device 41].
We will be waiting for manpower from . When the dame start control image from the VTR appears on the display, the optical detection circuit 4
A game start command is output to the control means 2 via the controller 1, and a predetermined game is started. Note that this control image can be used for 7 lashing of the entire display screen or for partial 7 lashing of the screen.
Roughing or the like may be used, but the 1n report signal may be encoded and multiplexed into the video signal. Furthermore, this information signal can also be multiplexed into an audio signal instead of an image signal. In this case, the information signal is input from the voice detection circuit 42.

When the game starts, monsters, villains, etc. appear intermittently in images from the VTR. When the user operates the joystick controller 43 and presses a switch when a monster or the like appears, the control means 2 is driven and the PPU 25 corrects the trajectory of the missile or the like and outputs this image signal to the switching means 3. The switching means 3 switches between the image by V''rR and the PP
The trajectory images of missiles etc. input from U25 are synthesized. That is, by switching the trajectory image from the PPU 25 in accordance with the output timing of the video signal by the VTR, Super Rainbow After that, it is output to a display device connected to the B111l that supports composite video input. If the VTR is configured as an MI in which a control image is displayed when a monster or the like appears on the display, the control means 2 can determine whether the user's joystick operation matches the operation of the optical detection circuit 41. If this match is recognized, the PP
The U25 sends the destruction image to the switching means 3, and the control means 2 can generate an explosion sound. Furthermore, by exchanging the external ROM 46 and video cassette, it is possible to easily enjoy other demos. For example, in a boxing game, the movements of the enemy boxers are recorded on videotape, PP (J25) is configured to draw the boxers on each side of the game, and the boxers on each side of the game punch by the player's movements of the Tsutai stick. If the control image is recorded on videotape only when the enemy boxer's key is lowered, the control means 2 will detect the temporal coincidence between the joystick operation and the control image, and the control image will be activated in a timely manner. Determine whether the punch landed or not.Furthermore, record the enemy boxer's movements in the odd fields of the videotape, record the grand scene in the even fields, and install a field discrimination/switching circuit in the switch Pi3 to determine the timing. You can switch from an odd field to an even field only when a punch lands, and you can also draw a grand scene of an enemy boxer.Especially if you use an A-D converter and 7-ram memory, you can get a stable and clear image. The video game equipment JRT of the present invention can be used not only as a simple game but also as a teaching tool.For example, multiple-choice questions are recorded on videotape, and the correct answers are converted into digital codes as control images. After reading the question on the display, the children input their answers from the keyboard 44. The control means 2 compares the correct answer obtained from the control image with the answer input from the keyboard 44. Then, the PP025 generates a display such as "Good job" and superimposes it on the switching means 3.In particular, the voice detection If a voice recognition device is added to the circuit 42, a voice input training device can be realized.

Furthermore, the questions can be transmitted via television broadcast rather than VTR. In this case, there is an outstanding effect that the educational effect of the television lecture etc. is extremely high. Although this embodiment has been described using a video input signal from a VTR, a video camera, a video disc, a personal combination coater, etc. can also be used. Furthermore, it is also possible to generate letters, characters, etc. using the control means 2 and to superimpose them. Furthermore, if a modem or the like is connected to the serial communication interface 45, communication with a personal computer is possible. and,
A light gun device using the optical detection circuit 41 can also be realized. The control image can utilize not only 7 lashings and digital codes, but also changes in color tone. Furthermore,
It is also possible to insert a data signal into the blanking interval of the video signal. Note that if the external video signal is an RGB separated signal, you can enjoy a clear image, and if the external video signal is a luminance/color difference separated signal, it is possible to enjoy a clear image without mutual interference between the Y signal and C1 of a high resolution VTR (so-called 5VH3). It has the outstanding effect of allowing you to enjoy clear images.

〔effect〕

In the present invention configured as described above, the control means including the CPU forms a game image signal, and the video signal input means
A switching means configured from an analog switch or the like switches between the dame image signal and the video amount signal, so that the image by the external video signal is processed. This has the effect of being able to synthesize (superimpose) the game image and the game image. In particular, since the background image 1/+1 can use an image actually taken with a television camera or the like instead of a graphic screen, it is possible to provide a clear and powerful game. In addition, by creating a VTR 77 set based on live-action TV programs, children can experience the atmosphere of playing with real characters, making it an outstanding program that can be enjoyed for a long time without getting bored. effective.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention, and t
Figure rS2 is an explanatory diagram of the control means. 1... Video signal input means 11... Video signal amplification circuit 12... Clamp circuit 1... Synchronization separation circuit 2... Control means 3... Switching means 41... Optical detection circuit

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) In a video game device having a control means including a central processing unit (CPU), a video signal input means for inputting an external video signal, and a video output signal of the video signal input means and the control means are formed. What is claimed is: 1. A video game device comprising: switching means for switching a game image signal generated by an external video signal, and combining an image based on an external video signal and the game image. (2) Claim 1, wherein the external video signal is a composite video output signal of a video device such as a VTR (video tape recorder) that does not require external synchronization, and the video signal input means is provided with a synchronization separation circuit. The video game device described. (3) The video game device according to claim 1, wherein the external video signal is an RGB separation signal and a synchronization signal. (4) The video game device according to claim 1, wherein the external video signal is a luminance/color difference separation signal of a high resolution VTR.